A significant archaeological complex in the Judean foothills has been opened to the public for the first time, offering visitors access to ancient underground tunnels and historic structures. The site, known as Horbat Burgin, is located within Adullam France Park south of Beit Shemesh and represents one of the largest archaeological areas in the region. The complex features a network of hiding tunnels used by Jewish rebels during the Roman period, as well as a Byzantine-era church adorned with colorful mosaics.
The history of the site dates back to the Second Temple period, when it was home to a large village. Some researchers have suggested that this settlement may have been Caphar Bish, a town mentioned by the first-century Jewish historian Flavius Josephus. During the Early Roman period, the inhabitants prepared for conflict by hewing extensive networks of rooms and tunnels into the bedrock. Amir Ganor, a researcher with the Israel Antiquities Authority who led the excavations, explained that the stone in the Shphela lowlands is very soft, allowing every house to have underground shelters. During the Bar Kochba rebellion, these spaces were connected by tunnels to facilitate hiding and fleeing from the Roman army.
Visitors can now explore approximately 200 meters of the preserved underground systems. Ganor noted that the tunnels are accessible for those who wish to climb through them, providing a tangible connection to the past. The site has a long history of continuous settlement, with evidence of habitation spanning from the second century BCE through the Second Temple period and continuing until the Ottoman Empire in the 19th century CE.
Excavations at Horbat Burgin began in 1995, led by Ganor, Alon Klein, and Peter Gendelman. The project was initiated in response to extensive looting, as thieves were frequently digging through the ruins to sell discovered artifacts on the black market. Ganor stated that the official excavation efforts successfully halted the looting, a strategy he recommends for all archaeology sites suffering from similar issues. The site was subsequently excavated, conserved, and developed for public access by the KKL-JNF, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and the Mateh Yehuda Regional Council.
After the Roman quashing of the Jewish revolt, the area was settled by a pagan population. They constructed new buildings above ground and created elaborate burial complexes beneath the ruins. Later, during the Byzantine period, a large church was built at the site. This structure featured colorful mosaic floors and was accompanied by a monastic complex. Archaeologists also discovered numerous columbaria, which were used for raising pigeons, as well as winepresses. These findings suggest that the local economy was based on pigeon breeding, agriculture, and wine production.
The area remained inhabited into the early Islamic period. As the Christian population converted to Islam, figures depicted on the church's mosaic floor were destroyed, reflecting the nascent movement's prohibition against such images. The settlement later became Christian again during the Crusader period. It was inhabited by locals under Mamluk and Ottoman rule until it was abandoned and destroyed in the 18th century.
For many years, the site suffered from extensive antiquities looting, with thieves breaking into burial caves and underground hiding systems, causing damage to ancient structures. Intensive efforts by the IAA and KKL-JNF, including the establishment of the Adullam Caves Park and ongoing archaeological excavations, finally halted further damage. Following conservation work, the site is now ready to be enjoyed by the public, preserving its rich history for future generations.
